QUEENS — A Kew Gardens cemetery kicks off a series of summer science workshops for kids this weekend, which will teach children about pond ecology and endangered species, the organizers said.
The workshops, led by environmental experts from The Alley Pond Environmental Center, will take place on three consecutive Saturdays at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. The classes have been very popular in previous years, the organizers said.
“We have a group of young people that come and it’s important that they learn about the environment and current topics,” said Carl Ballenas, president of the Friends of Maple Grove, who is also a history teacher at the Immaculate Conception School in Jamaica Estates.
Ballenas said that the Victorian cemetery, which has a large pond and numerous trees, is a great place to study environmental issues.
“Maple Grove is filled with wildlife,” Ballenas said. “We have birds, we have ducks, we have raccoons and black squirrels and all different species.”
During the workshop on June 22, kids will hear all about pond ecology. They will be testing water samples from the pond, watching turtles, tadpoles and frogs.
A week later, they will learn about endangered species, habitat loss, invasive species and pollution.
On July 6, they will get a chance to interact with numerous animals during a presentation. Among animals that will be brought to the center, there will be a blue-tongued skink, rabbit, dove, guinea pig and snake.
The workshops are meant for children 8-years-old and older. Kids will receive certificates for attending.
The workshops will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery at 127-15 Kew Gardens Road. They start at 3 p.m. and last 45 min. To reserve a spot, call 347 878 6614. Workshops are free for the Friends of Maple Grove members. For non members its $5.
